Fast-growing kudzu plant overwhelms native species
Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) has become America’s most infamous weed. The quick-growing creeping vine spreads rapidly, outcompeting native grasses and fully-grown trees.
Garlic mustard threatens the rare West Virginia white butterfly
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate) is a highly destructive invader in North America. As well as hindering the survival of native plants, it poses a particular threat to the survival of the rare West Virginia white butterfly (Pieris virginiensis).
The spotted lanternfly wreaks havoc on crops in Asia and the US
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an insect pest of several economically important crop plants. It is also a menace to many fruits including grapes, apricots, apples and cherries.
Halting the spread of highly invasive and destructive Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a highly invasive species that is having a devastating impact on native biodiversity and local infrastructure in its introduced range in the UK, Europe, North America and Canada.
How plant hunters sowed the seeds of garden invaders
Plant hunters introduced many of the UK’s most damaging invasive species as botanical status symbols in the Victorian era. Initially, the impact of plant hunting for sought-after specimens, such as camellia and rhododendrons, was largely unknown. However, without natural predators from their home range, these plants grew uncontrollably in British gardens and spread into the…
Deadly cane toads make their mark on Australian wildlife and habitats
The cane toad (Rhinella marina), also known as the giant toad, is a poisonous amphibian which is wreaking havoc throughout Australia. Native to South America, Central America and Mexico, the cane toad was introduced to many countries to help control agricultural pests.
Zebra mussels disrupt ecosystems in Europe and North America
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are fingernail-sized freshwater molluscs that are native to the lakes of south-east Russia. In the last 200 years they have spread to parts of Europe, including Britain and Ireland, and North America.
Jumping worms unearth problems for forest ecosystems
The Asian jumping worm (Amynthas agrestis), also known as the crazy worm, is a litter dwelling earthworm which can harm forests and biodiversity by changing the soil structure and forest floor vegetation.